PART 2   Genetics, Evolution, and Behavior

5  •  DNA, Gene Expression, and Biotechnology 177

What is the genetic code, and how is it harnessed?

DNA: what is it, and what does it do? 178

5.1

Knowledge about DNA is increasing justice in the world. 178

5.2

The DNA molecule contains instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms. 179

5.3

Genes are sections of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins. 182

5.4

Not all DNA contains instructions for making proteins. 184

5.5

How do genes work? An overview. 186

Information in DNA directs the production of the molecules that make up an organism. 188

5.6

In transcription, the information coded in DNA is copied into mRNA. 188

5.7

In translation, the mRNA copy of the information from DNA is used to build functional molecules. 190

5.8

Genes are regulated in several ways. 193

Damage to the genetic code has a variety of causes and effects. 197

5.9

What causes a mutation, and what are its effects? 197

5.10

This is how we do it: Does sunscreen use reduce skin cancer risk? 200

5.11

Faulty genes, coding for faulty enzymes, can lead to sickness. 202

Biotechnology is producing improvements in agriculture. 204

5.12

What is biotechnology? 204

5.13

Biotechnology can improve food nutrition and make farming more efficient and eco-friendly. 208

5.14

Fears and risks: are genetically modified foods safe? 212

Biotechnology has the potential for improving human health (and criminal justice). 215

5.15

The treatment of diseases and the production of medicines are improved with biotechnology. 215

5.16

Gene therapy: biotechnology can help diagnose and prevent genetic diseases, but has had limited success in curing them. 217

5.17

Cloning—ranging from genes to organs to individuals—offers both promise and perils. 219

5.18

DNA is an individual identifier: the uses and abuses of DNA fingerprinting. 220

StreetBIO: KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN USE

Mixing aspirin and alcohol can lead to metabolic interference and unexpected inebriation. 224